Probably derived from an old Indo-European root meaning "heavenly, divine", related to dyeus (see ZEUS). --Taking this a step further, the Indo-European Roots section of my American Heritage Dictionary relates this to the root deiw-, to shine, from which derives sky, heavens, god. Their discussion of Diana regards the suffixed root *deiw-yo, 'luminous' to be the direct root of Diana and the variant *dyeu- the root of Zeus.

This name is very pretty with the original Latin pronunciation (dee-AH-na). The pronunciation of English speakers (die-ANN-a) leaves me cold. A real shame, in my opinion.

-- Anonymous User 2/2/2006

I agree with the Latin pronunciation. I have a friend named Diana but we pronounce it in the original Latin pronunciation (DEE-AHN-NA) not DIE-AH-NA. I think it is a sweet yet strong name with a beautiful meaning.

-- Anonymous User 3/10/2006

Diana was the name of the character protrayed by Jean Simmons in the biblical epic "The Robe" in the year 1953. She was the woman whom the main character (Marcellus) loved. In the film, the name is pronounced 'die-Ah-na'.

-- Anonymous User 4/14/2006

Diana is a beautiful name, very elegant and has a beautiful meaning to it.

-- Anonymous User 4/30/2006

Beautiful, 'divine' name.

-- Anonymous User 5/3/2006

Diana is a very beautiful name indeed, I like the combination Diana Aurora or Diana Irene. :-)

I believe that Diana is a beautiful, elegant name. Especially when combined with the name Marie. It suggests a type of elegance that many people may not possess. The name sounds enchanting no matter how it is said as well. The very name suggests adventure and imagination. But then, maybe I'm just a bit biased since it is the name I have been blessed to have.

Diana Blythe was one of Anne (formerly of Green Gables) and Gilbert's twin daughters. She was named after Diana Barry, Anne's bosom friend from childhood.

-- Anonymous User 7/16/2006

Possible links to the Hebrew name Dinah. Dinah meaning "God has judged". Has a similar pronunciation with the modern pronunciation. Dinah is usually pronounced DEE-nah or DIE-nah while Diana is usually pronounced DIE-ann-a or DEE-ann-ah. They are very much the same and I believe that the old biblical hebrew and the old Roman merged to form the new modern name.

My favourite of all of the Greco-Roman goddesses is the goddess Diana (or Artemis) and though I wouldn't give it to a child, when I think of the name I straight away think of the strength and power of the goddess Artemis/Diana.

I used to like Dina more, but now I prefer Diana over it. Diana is classy name, full of history and the meaning is gorgeus. So wonderful name to a little girl, and still it fits older women, too. Diana is absolutely one of my favourite girls' name.

It's a nifty name all right. Though I want to associate it with the elegance and grace it implies, and characters with this name (like from classic Hollywood films and the like), not because it is the Romanized name of a Greek mythical goddess. Too many names in this country (and my mind) have been associated with silly myths of gods and goddesses. However the only one that I find okay to associate with is maybe Venus/Aphrodite - but that's because it's probably more easy to get used to but I don't think I wanna associate them either. In fact I don't want to associate anybody. I think with Penelope and some unknown scattered names related to ancient tales and legends (such as Alcippe and Chloe) is enough for a matter, Diana is a nice name without it's link to mythology.

Another famous bearer of this name is Dame Diana Rigg, who played Emma Peel in the British TV series from the 60's called the Avengers. She also played Helena in the 1968 version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Diana Morales is a character in the famous musical "A Chorus Line". She's the one who sings the song "Nothing" about her experiances at her old acting school.

-- Anonymous User 4/1/2008

I don't like the English pronunciation of this name. In fact, I hate it. The name reminds me of all these bland, boring, unimaginative names like Deanna, Brianna, and the likes, just with an uglier ''prefix'', so to speak. The name is pretty enough in European pronunciation.

This name sounds so boring to me. Maybe it's because I think of my school librarian when I hear it, and she's really mean and boring. But on the other hand, I think of that Michael Jackson song "Dirty Diana", which makes me think of a really trashy, money hungry, seductive girl :|

Well, my name being Diana, I think I'm a good enough authority on it to say that I don't find it "boring and unimaginative" at all. I rather like it. It's not common enough that I ever had two or three others in my year at school. Perhaps I just don't hang around zealous Jackson fans, but I've never had anyone reference "Dirty Diana."

The "Dianic Tradition" -- a practice, belief, witchcraft, and tradition found in Neopagan religion -- was named after the Roman Goddess Diana, for which its followers emphasize the female divine or Goddess.

"Diane de Versailles" is a slightly over lifesize marble statue of the Greek goddess Artemis, with a deer, located in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. The statue is also known as Diane Chasseresse ("Diana Huntress"), Diana à la Biche, Artemis of the Chase, and Artemis with the Hind. She is elegant and breathtaking. From the moment I saw her she became my personal favorite statue.

Diana is my middle name and I think it's beautiful. It's awesome to be named after an ancient goddess!

-- Anonymous User 7/13/2011

I have always liked my first name, especially since Princess Diana was only about 50 miles from where I was born, on the day I was born. Although, I was actually named for my mother's childhood friend. Unfortunately, a LOT of people will turn it into Diane. I hate Diane. It just sounds so blah and it simply isn't my name.

For "Di," stress your "I" to "EE." "A" as found in "Father." Up to this point the previous equals: Dee-Ah, though when spoken typically morphs to "Dyah." Round it all with the final "A," "Nah." [noted -ed]

The song "Diana" brought Canadian singer Paul Anka instant stardom as it rocketed to number one on the Canadian and U.S. music charts. "Diana" is one of the best selling singles ever by a Canadian recording artist.

I always think of the wonderful Princess of Wales- Diana Spencer when I hear the name, "Diana." I imagine someone as sweet and caring as Lady Diana Spencer was, and a person with something big to share with the world- a heart.

I never liked my name growing up. I thought it was girly, dated, and didn't like being called Di. I even contemplated changing it. But I've grown to love it. Some associations with the name are Princess Diana, Wonder Woman, and the Roman Goddess of the Hunt. They represent strong women and I'm happy to be in their company!

This is such a lovely name that is very uncommon nowadays, which is disappointing. It's a lot prettier and not nearly as dated as Diane, and has stood the test of time while Diane came and went in a few decades. I hope the name is revived in the next few years, I think Diana would sound so cute on a little girl!

This is my first name. My mother named me after the goddess. At first I thought it was rather boring, but now I've come to greatly love this name. I feel as if it suits me. I've never really been involved in society too much... it always confused me whenever children in my class saw me they'd sing "Dirty Diana". I don't care enough to listen to that song. I prefer my languages...

My name is Diana. I love my name. Not many Diana's where I live and I am Ok with that. I don't like to be called Diane! Thanks to Princess Diana of Whales, my friends and coworkers like to call me Princess or Lady Di. Which I am totally Ok with. My mother showed and had me listen to Paul Anka's song "Diana", which I am very fond of the song. I would also like to add that my middle name is Lynn. I think Diana Lynn is a nice combination.